Tayview 28th December North Fife

Tayview 28th December, a stormy winter sky above white horses on The River Tay.

Polythene sheeting blowing in the wind caught on wire fencing, what can't be seen is the flapping noise. Apart from flying debris noise is the most disturbing aspect of high wind speeds.

Winter Solstice North Fife

The winter solstice, marked and heralded for thousands of years by many cultures, a turning point, a pivotal moment.
The December solstice occurs when the sun reaches its most southerly declination of -23.5 degrees. In other words, it is when the North Pole is tilted 23.5 degrees away from the sun. Depending on the Gregorian calendar, the December solstice occurs annually on a day between December 20 and December 23. On this date, all places above a latitude of 66.5 degrees north (Arctic Polar Circle) are now in darkness, while locations below a latitude of 66.5 degrees south (Antarctic Polar Circle) receive 24 hours of daylight. I'm so glad the tide has turned as it were, from now for 6 months the light increases.

Many prophecies about the end of the world surround this date because it corresponds to the last day of the Mayan calendar. The 2012 December solstice will be on December 21, 2012, which gives us all just one more year if the Mayans are right, time will tell and it's Christmas too so rejoice, eat, drink and be happy for tomorrow.........who knows.
The Mayans had a view described in the book below.

Mayan End Age 12-21-2012


Mayan calender
Mayan Calender "An Apocalypse (Greek: “lifting of the veil” or “revelation”) is a disclosure of something hidden from the majority of mankind in an era dominated by falsehood and misconception, ie. the veil to be lifted." — Wikipedia

"Both the Hopis and Mayans recognize that we are approaching the end of a World Age... In both cases, however, the Hopi and Mayan elders do not prophesy that everything will come to an end. Rather, this is a time of transition from one World Age into another. The message they give concerns our making a choice of how we enter the future ahead. Our moving through with either resistance or acceptance will determine whether the transition will happen with cataclysmic changes or gradual peace and tranquility. The same theme can be found reflected in the prophecies of many other Native American visionaries from Black Elk to Sun Bear."
— Joseph Robert Jochman

The mysterious Serpent Mound in the Ohio Valley is a masterpiece of prehistoric architecture. Its enormous size alone inspires awe and reverence. Even deeper meanings may be hidden in the dimensions and lost functions of this ancient religious structure. Researcher Ross Hamilton has uncovered multiple layers of secrets hidden within the earthworks of the Serpent Mound, and his discoveries contribute to a new understanding of prehistoric spiritual science and engineering.

Mystery of the Serpent Mound [Paperback]
RRP: £27.00
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Usually dispatched within 2 to 4 weeks.
A rare book and worth the wait.

Mystery of the Serpent Mound

15th December North Fife Frost

Frost 15th December, yes it was that cold, such a varied month, unfortunately I'm in the midst of installing a new stove and radiators and when it's cold we all really know about it.

amazing patterns on the windows.

Brrrrr.

By the 21st December some warmth had returned giving misty conditions here at Pittachope farm viewing Graigsimmie and below a pheasant takes a casual stroll.

Tayview 6th dec amidst the storm a ray of light descends on Errol across the Tay and some storm it was, our greenhouse is no longer, many objects have vaulted fences and one just has to shrug one's shoulders, tis only the wind.

Much quieter now on the 10th with wonderful high streaky clouds,

Deep Fried Butter Balls, The Fiddlers Elbow

I was checking the BBC website today and came across this, well what can one say, heart attack in a bowl or wow, fantastic, each to our own. I'm sure though The Fiddler's Elbow is worth a visit for a good time out.

Deep fried butter balls. Just the butter without the Irn Bru batter.

An Edinburgh bar has put a calorific treat to rival the deep fried Mars Bar on its menu - deep fried butter balls.
The snack, already popular in the US, has been given a Scottish twist as it is cooked in Irn Bru batter.
The Fiddler's Elbow, in Picardy Place, is serving the pudding for what is thought to be the first time in Scotland.
The sticky dessert, called Braveheart Butter Bombs, is served with an Irn Bru ice cream and coulis.
A variation featuring deep fried whisky instead of Irn Bru will also be offered.
While critics have dubbed deep-fried butter a "coronary on a plate", the chefs said it should be all right in moderation.
Freezing balls
The dishes have been devised by Simon Robertson, The Fiddler's Elbow head chef, with the help of Paul Fitchie, a former chef with Harvey Nichols.
Mr Robertson said: "We thought we would add a bit of fun to our menu of Scottish dishes and it's really got people talking.
"Some folk are saying it's a heart attack on a plate and, okay, it's not exactly health food but as long as you're not having it every day it shouldn't be any problem."
The dessert is made by freezing balls of butter before dipping them in batter soaked with Irn Bru.
They are then submerged in hot oil until browned.
Oliver Scott, who runs The Fiddler's Elbow, said: "It might not be too nutritious but it's definitely delicious.
"We've been trying it out on volunteers who are loving it. It actually tastes lighter than you'd expect, it's a bit like eating a banana fritter but nicer and obviously a bit naughtier.
"We hope it will help cheer people up in a time of gloom.
"We know that when things are tough economically people like to treat themselves to a little comfort food and this is the ultimate indulgence - so long as people don't overdo it."

Fiddlers Elbow is a 'shabby chic' hotel located in the heart of Edinburgh.
The rooms are designed with warmth and comfort in mind. Fiddlers Elbow has 4 double en-suite rooms all equipped with towels, toiletries, a TV and a fridge.
All rooms are quiet, comfortable and modern with an emphasis on calmness and relaxation. Special care has been taken to design each room with style and practicality in mind, to ensure your stay is pleasant and memorable.
We are less than 3 minutes walk from Princes Street, which is the perfect place to base your adventure of Edinburgh. Airport and transport links are also moments away.
The hotel boasts its very own pub, which hosts regular live folk music for those looking to enjoy themselves. And for those looking to relax can enjoy our home cinema downstairs, which is free for guests to use anytime.
Wa Wa Basement, a Chinese restaurant, is also available to guests looking to have a quick meal before getting out to explore what Edinburgh has to offer. We have also have a function room for those traveling on business or in groups. The restaurant and pub area, can seat up to 40 people.
There are several restaurants, a theatre, art galleries and shops in the local area, including on Raeburn Place, the Stockbridge area’s main commercial thoroughfare.

The Clay Cure Natural Healing from the Earth

By Ran Knishinsky

I have taken Bentonite myself on and off for many years and have encouraged others to ingest it too. The health benefits are quite extraordinary, it really works.

Clay Cure: Natural Healing from the Earth [Paperback]

An exceptional source of minerals, clay has been ingested as a nutritional supplement and detoxifier throughout the world for thousands of years. The Clay Cure reveals the benefits of trusting that ancient wisdom and using clay powders, capsules, or liquid gels.

Naturally absorbent and extremely gentle on the system, clay can treat ailments affecting digestion, circulation, menstruation, and the liver, skin, and prostate. Clay also remedies symptoms of arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, gum diseases, and migraines. The Clay Cure contains complete and up-to-date information on choosing the appropriate type and form of clay, how and when to take it for your specific complaint, the science and history of clay eating, and the value of minerals contained in the many varieties of clay.

RAN KNISHINSKY has been eating clay for more than seven years. He is a writer and the owner of Health Wise, a homeopathic dispensary and health food store in Phoenix, Arizona.

The Clay Cure is the most scientific and up to date book, as the back cover says. Articles that have been reviewed for inclusion in the book are American Journal of Medicine, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Canadian Journal of Microbiology, National Geographic Research, and more.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the subject.

RRP: £9.99
Price: £8.99 & Free Delivery with Amazon Prime

Click here to buy. Name Your Link
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The Book of Jewish Food

It's coming up to Solstice / festive season, whatever your persuasion it's always good to taste and enjoy foods of different cultures.

Review
Claudia Roden, author of The Book of Jewish Food, has done more than simply compile a cookbook of Jewish recipes--she has produced a history of the Diaspora, told through its cuisine. The book's 800 recipes reflect many cultures and regions of the world, from the Jewish quarter of Cairo where Roden spent her childhood to the kitchens of Europe, Asia and the Americas. Both Ashkenazi and Sepharidic cooking are well represented here: hallah bread, bagels, blintzes and kugels give way to tabbouleh, falafel and succulent lamb with prunes, which are, in turn, succeeded by such fare as Ftut (Yemeni wedding soup) and Kahk (savoury bracelets).

Interwoven throughout the text are Roden's charming asides--the history of certain foods, definitions (Kaimak, for instance, is the cream that rises to the top when buffalo milk is simmered) and ways of preparing everything from an eggplant to a quince. In addition, Roden tells you everything you've ever wanted to know about Jewish dietary laws, what the ancient Hebrews ate and the various holidays and festivals on the Jewish calendar. Detailed sections on Jewish history are beautifully illustrated with archival photographs of families, towns and, of course, food. The Book of Jewish Food is one that any serious cook--Jewish and non-Jewish alike--would gladly have (and use often) in the kitchen. --Kyle Dean
Product Description
'No-one will ever produce a richer, or more satisfying feast of the Jewish experience.' - Simon Schama 'One can't imagine a better food book than this, ever: for the reader and the cook.' - Nigella Lawson, Vogue 'THE BOOK OF JEWISH FOOD deserves its definitive article. It should stand as the book for many years... It is not likely to be surpassed.' - The Telegraph 'Manna from Heaven.' - Independent on Sunday
RRP: £25.00
Price: £16.72 & Free Delivery with Amazon Prime
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Go on, treat yourself and others and click here to by now. Name Your Link
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Arabesque: A Taste of Morocco, Turkey and Lebanon

Claudia Broden's book Arabesque A Taste of Morocco, Turkey and Lebanon [Hardcover]. A fantastic book of recipes and method.
In this enchanting book, Claudia Roden returns to the countries of Turkey, Lebanon and Morocco in search of new and old recipes and to find out how cooking has evolved since she first introduced us to these cuisines in the 1960s. The result is a tribute to the different culinary histories and contemporary food of these fascinating countries, from the mezze dishes of Turkey and the sweet pastries of Lebanon to the unmistakable flavours and spices of Morocco. In her inimitable style, Claudia Roden has created a passionate, evocative book full of stories, memories and delicious food.
It's always nice to shift the palate into another realm of tastes and balance. Food cooked with full attention and love, what a lovely gift to diners.

A good book if you like to cook and enjoy. Click to buy now:-Name Your Link

RRP: £30.00
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Leopard Slug North Fife

Leopard Slug (Limax Maximus)is one of the largest kinds of keeled air-breathing land slug in the world, adults can grow to be 20cm long. This one comes out at night and browses the kitchen for vegetable scraps.

Tayview 22November North Fife

Yesterdays Tayview, this was late afternoon on my way to Newburgh, nearly everyday there's a wow sky I find them hard to resist recording, lovely colour.

November Flowers North Fife

We're heading into winter, the days are dull and over-cast and yet little sparks of flowering growth exist along the roadside.

Spider North Fife

Spider North Fife, this one lives in the workroom and has done for at least 4 years. He/she has a leg span of about 6cms, down its funnel hangs a golf ball size cluster of assorted insects all nicely wrapped up in web. Not visible during the daytime so last night I took a gander, about a year ago I removed the web platform, not nice really though it has now been replaced and extends to over 90cms. I abhor killing of any kind, the house is largely insect free though arachnid rich.
Click on the image to enjoy its hairy legs.

Tayview November 12th North Fife

Tayview November 12th 2011 North Fife. A sunny and placid day as reflected in the still River Tay waters.

Subtle sky over Newburgh and The River Tay.

Lesley A Young, Artist Newburgh North Fife

Llotja Llaut Llum:[Box Boat Light]: An Exhibition in The steeple, 67 High Street, Newburgh North Fife.
Lesley's initial design training was at Glasgow School of Art and she subsequently studied Textile Art. She now works as a visual artist in a variety of media including film, photography and fabrics. Lesley produces work for exhibition and sale and is happy to accept commissions.

Lesley A young.

Lesley says " There is something sad and melancholic about a boat that has reached the end of its working life. The fishing boats I photographed in Majorca-known as llauts-had been abandoned on the land and left to decompose and decay. There is a rich beauty in this process-think about autumn, about the dying of the light creating all those colours. But for these boats there would be no spring, yet they have taken on new role as inspirational material for artists; they are still objects of beauty and worth.

None of the images have been retouched-they are exactly as the camera took them. I chose to use a low resolution camera, being more interested in capturing colours and textures. I was drawn to the beauty in the detail and the effect of UV light on the subjects.

I chose to hold this exhibition in Newburgh as it too has a history of using small boats for fishing.

The exhibition includes 28 images of Majorcan llauts also incorporated into a short film accompanied by an evocative piece of music which plays throughout."

Installation.

Lesley's website.
email. lesleyayoung@hotmail.co.uk

The exhibition will be shortly on show at The Scottish Fisheries Museum, Anstruther.

Sunset Newburgh November 4th

Another of those plain and overcast days that comes alive with the rich evening sky.

Top Park Newburgh emblazoned by the colourful sky.

Setting sun riverside Newburgh North Fife, wonderful still conditions after a sprinkle of rain.

Looking inland over Newburgh into Perthshire, you maybe will be able to see the array of wind turbines on the horizon.

River Tay sunset November 1st 2011

River Tay sunset November 1st 2011.A great day warm with plenty of late sunshine.

Halloween October 31st 2011

Halloween as celebrated in the Co-op store Newburgh, North Fife. A fun day taken with much enthusiasm as click last year here with the spirits.

The Devilish Elenor.

With her tail between her legs.

Customers get served along the way.

Another event is Valentines Day Feb 14th, imagine bunches of Mistletoe hung strategically throughout the store, a local snog-in much loved by all.

Skies over the River Tay North Fife Oct 25th

Another wonderful sky over the River Tay North Fife.

Closer in over Newburgh.

SS1 four seat tourer

SS1 a much loved heap in my misspent youth. SS Cars Ltd was a British car maker. It grew out of the Swallow Sidecar Company and was first registered under the new name in 1934. The first of the SS range of cars available to the public was the 1932 SSI with 2 or 2½-litre side-valve, six-cylinder engine and the SSII with a four-cylinder 1-litre side-valve engine. Initially available as coupé or tourer a saloon was added in 1934 when the chassis was modified to be 2 inches (50 mm) wider. I owned an SS2 before the SS1, quite primitive compared to modern cars and even in my ownership I felt the need to upgrade the engines, the SS2 gained a OHV engine out of a Triumph Renown which mated the original Standard gearbox. The SS1 tourer first acquired twin SU carburetters instead of R.A.G. with ram pipes and then a 3-1/2 litre engine from a Jaguar Mark V, the staggering thing was that all the different engines Triumph, Standard and Jaguar fitted the same 4 speed gearbox. Making them faster was one thing, getting them to stop with the Bendix cable drum brakes was another. As a consequence body rebuilds were required from time to time.

SS1 Coupe lanquishing in a restoration workshop in need of a new camshaft.

Inner page of the handbook, rather scruffy I know. oily fingers. Below a couple of pages showing the engine sizes, HP and other data. Even in its day comments were that the cars were more show than go hence the need to upgrade the power in the cars I owned.

At the time of ownership, in retrospect I behaved like a wee boy racer and poser, windscreen down with only the little aero-screens, deerstalker hat driving like a man possessed in a car already 30 years old. Cars of that time came with a tool kit and the hand book instructed how to service and people did. Not many would adjust tappets, decoke, replace big end bearings, grease various nipples and the like these days. No need of course.

Snails Upper Flisk

Snail, one of the few left in the garden, out for its night-time browse. They are a much loved delicacy for our ducks.

Solar Panels Electricity for Free North Fife

It seems too good to be true but it's true. Under the European and Government scheme whereby anyone can benefit by installing PV panels, 'cash back scheme' indexed linked and guaranteed for 25 years.. I've had 6 different companies present themselves to promote their services. The quotes have ranged from £17,000 all for similar installations even Tesco with loads of card points. G&S Ltd won hands down with a quote of under £11,000 including the desktop device and distribution board/fuse box. I have no hesitation in recommending them to you.
An update today, 19th October 2012. The feed in tarrif has paid me £1,533,34p in the one year.

Job start, scaffold tower erected, electrician busy constructing appliance boards.

Stuart hard at it.

Stuart Wilson, the man.

The solar panels being readied for placement.

Steady as you go. Sure footed and confident the panels are carried into place.

Work in progress, in turn the panels are securely clamped in place.

The last panel of 16 capable of generating 3.92 kilowatts of electricity. 4 kilowatts being the maximum allowable under the domestic feed in tariff scheme which stands at 43.3 pence per kilowatt, indexed linked, in April this will be increased by 5.2%. Tax free and guaranteed for 25 years.

Robert Garden and James McGraw expert and efficient fitters of the solar PV panels.

In the roof space sits the inverter that changes DC current into alternating suitable for feed into the grid and home appliances.

The meter board. G&S Ltd replaced my distribution/fuse box for free and also provided a desktop monitor which shows in real time how much energy is being produced, how much carbon is being saved and how much income is being made.

Desktop monitor, photo taken earlier today, not the sunniest of days but on checking now we have earned £5-29 from 12.238 KWh and saved 6.241 Kg of Co and run the washing machine several times for free today.

It's a win win situation. Click here to win as well. When you contact mention this blog.